Best 13 Cornish Game Hens With Walnut Apple Stuffing Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Cornish game hens, artfully prepared with a medley of flavors that will delight your palate. These tender and juicy hens are meticulously stuffed with a delectable walnut-apple stuffing, offering a symphony of textures and flavors.

Savor the delicate taste of the cornish hens, complemented by the nutty richness of walnuts and the sweet crunch of apples. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, enhanced by a hint of aromatic herbs and spices.

Discover a treasure trove of Cornish game hen recipes within this article, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. Embark on a culinary adventure as you explore variations such as the crispy-skinned roasted hens, the succulent braised hens in a rich sauce, and the flavorful grilled hens infused with smoky aromas.

Whether you seek a sophisticated entrée for a special occasion or a comforting meal for a cozy gathering, these Cornish game hen recipes will elevate your dining experience. Prepare to be captivated by the culinary artistry and indulge in the delectable flavors that await you.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HONEY-GLAZED APPLE-STUFFED CORNISH HENS



Honey-Glazed Apple-Stuffed Cornish Hens image

These cornish hens are tender, sweet and perfect for an intimate holiday dinner.

Provided by I Heart Recipes

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cornish hens
½ cup + 1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground clove or cinnamon (optional)
2 apples (1 Granny Smith and 1 Red Delicious)

Steps:

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup of butter and 2 tablespoons of honey.
  • Microwave for 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted.
  • Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and mix with a spoon
  • Add in ¼ teaspoon ground clove or cinnamon. Mix.
  • Set aside.
  • Empty the cavity of the cornish hens and rinse under cool water.
  • Dice the apples.
  • Stuff the cavity of the cornish hens with apples.
  • Use butcher string to tie the legs together.
  • Line a baking dish with foil (helps with the clean up process.
  • Place the hens breast down and brush with a tablespoon of melted butter.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and brush cornish hens with the glaze.
  • Place back in oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes.

CORNISH HENS WITH APPLE-RAISIN STUFFING



Cornish Hens with Apple-Raisin Stuffing image

A special holiday entrée for eight that needs just 30 minutes of preparation.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped green onions (8 medium)
1 red baking apple, unpeeled, chopped
4 cups unseasoned dry bread cubes
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup apple juice
4 Cornish game hens (24 oz each), thawed if frozen
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup apple jelly
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In 10-inch skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and apple; cook and stir until tender. Stir in remaining stuffing ingredients. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, spread stuffing.
  • Split each game hen in half. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place hen halves, skin side up, over stuffing. In 1-quart saucepan, melt jelly with 2 tablespoons butter over low heat; brush over hens.
  • Bake uncovered 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until hens are fork-tender and until juice of hens is clear when thickest pieces are cut to bone (at least 165°F).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810, Carbohydrate 57 g, Cholesterol 260 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 2 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 780 mg, Sugar 16 g, TransFat 1 g

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH CORNBREAD STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Cornbread Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h5m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 small leek, white part with 1 inch of green, finely chopped and rinsed
1 small apple (about 4 ounces), peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage, plus sprigs for garnish
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
2 cups cubed day old cornbread
3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Cornish hens, giblets discarded, patted dry

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the leeks for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened. Add the apples and cook for 3 minutes more. In a medium bowl combine the leek mixture with the sage, parsley, cornbread and enough broth to moisten. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stuff the birds with the cornbread mixture and tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine. Melt the remaining butter. Brush the birds all over with butter and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split the hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of herbs and serve.

STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS WITH PINE NUTS AND RAISINS



Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Pine Nuts and Raisins image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup apple brandy or cognac
1 loaf stale sliced white bread
6 small Cornish game hens
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup finely diced onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
Approximately 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned chicken broth
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine the raisins and brandy in a small bowl. Set aside for about 15 minutes to allow the raisins to plump slightly.
  • Trim the crusts from the bread and cut the slices into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the cubes to a mixing bowl. Set aside. Do not turn off the oven.
  • Fill a large mixing bowl with lightly salted cold water and, 1 at a time, thoroughly rinse each hen in the salted water. Place the rinsed hens under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry. Set aside.
  • Drain the liquid from the raisins, separately reserving both the raisins and the liquid.
  • Combine the oil with 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the celery, onion and 1 tablespoon of the garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Add the reserved soaking liquid from the raisins and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the parsley, pine nuts, and reserved raisins. Scrape the mixture into the reserved toasted bread cubes and add just enough chicken stock or broth to moisten without letting the bread cubes get soggy. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
  • Using a large spoon, lightly push some stuffing into the cavity of each bird. (Do not pack the stuffing in tightly or it will get very soggy and may not cook properly).
  • Combine the remaining butter and garlic and coat each hen with a light layer of the seasoned butter. Sprinkle lightly with paprika and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the hens in a roasting pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to roast for an additional 20 minutes or until the hens are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the bird and into the stuffing reads 165 degrees. Remove from the oven and serve.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH WILD RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
1/3 cup toasted pecan pieces, broken
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons dried currants
4 dried apricots, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Cornish hens, patted dry
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the onions and celery until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme and cook for 1 minute more. In a mixing bowl combine the onion mixture with the rice, parsley, nuts and dried fruits and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place 1/2 cup of the stuffing into the cavity of each hen. Tie the legs of each bird together with kitchen twine.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt the remaining butter with the vinegar. Brush the birds all over with the butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the hens until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of parsley and serve.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH WALNUT-APPLE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens With Walnut-Apple Stuffing image

Make and share this Cornish Game Hens With Walnut-Apple Stuffing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by lik2fish

Categories     Poultry

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 Cornish hens
paprika
salt
pepper
oil
3 cups cooked wild rice
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
3 ounces walnuts, pieces
2 apples, cored, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1 tablespoon parsley flakes

Steps:

  • Wash Cornish hens and pat dry.
  • Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub lightly with oil.
  • Combine cooked wild rice, celery, onion, walnuts, apples, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes for stuffing; toss lightly.
  • Divide stuffing among hens.
  • Place Cornish hens in roasting pan.
  • Roast 1 hour, or until tender, in preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven.

VEGETABLE STUFFING FOR CORNISH GAME HENS



Vegetable Stuffing for Cornish Game Hens image

This is a slightly different stuffing, very tasty and if you don't eat fowl just have it as a side dish. This recipe is enough for 4 Cornish hens but if you are just cooking two put the rest of the stuffing in an oven proof dish and heat for about 25 minutes. In this way you can accommodate your vegetarians friends as well.

Provided by Bergy

Categories     Onions

Time 25m

Yield 4 Cornish hens stuffing

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup carrot, shredded
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1/3 cup leek, cleaned and finely chopped (white end only)
3/4 cup mushroom, finely chopped
3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 slices whole wheat bread, fresh crumbs

Steps:

  • In a large skillet cook the carrots, celery, leeks, mushrooms & onion in the 2 tbsp of butter (margarine) for about 3 minutes.
  • Add thyme, salt, pepper.
  • Mix bread crumbs with the veggies.
  • Cool mixture before stuffing birds.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Rice Stuffing image

My mother used to make this for Easter dinner. The rice stuffing is a perfect partner for the hens. Packaged wild rice mix can be used as well.

Provided by MOMMYCOFFEY

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes

Time 2h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chopped onion
⅓ cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup water
1 cube chicken bouillon
½ teaspoon salt
2 Cornish game hens
salt to taste
¼ cup melted butter

Steps:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the almonds, onion, and uncooked wild rice. Saute 5 to 10 minutes. Mix in the water, chicken bouillon cube, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 45 minutes until rice is tender and easily fluffed with a fork.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Season the Cornish game hens inside and out with salt, and stuff with the rice mixture. Place the hens breast side up on a rack in a baking pan. Brush with 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Cover the baking pan, and cook the hens 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover, and continue cooking 1 hour, or until the hens are no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 128.9 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 1341.1 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS



Stuffed Cornish Game Hens image

THIS ENTREE makes an ordinary day special. Whenever I cook Cornish hens for my husband and me, it stirs up warm memories of family times around the holiday dinner table. I bake the extra stuffing separately so we're sure to have enough. -Nancy Aubrey, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
3 cups crumbled cornbread
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh mint or 1/4 teaspoon dried mint flakes

Steps:

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, saute celery and onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in cornbread, bread crumbs, pimientos, broth, egg, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. , Stuff each hen with 3/4 cup stuffing. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; refrigerate. Place hens breast side up on a rack in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover loosely with foil; bake at 375° for 45 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter; add garlic, lemon zest, mint and remaining salt and pepper. Brush over hens. Bake 15-30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing. Bake the extra stuffing, covered, for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1728 calories, Fat 106g fat (44g saturated fat), Cholesterol 601mg cholesterol, Sodium 3675mg sodium, Carbohydrate 106g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 82g protein.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Stuffing image

A fantastic recipe to make for a special dinner for 2! I make them lots of different ways, but this way is nice for those romantic occaisions and want them to be extra special and pretty. Enjoy! (Photo from bing images)

Provided by Kelly Williams

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 13

STUFFING:
1 box betty crocker homestyle stuffing
1 apple, cored and diced
2 strips cooked bacon, broken into pieces
CORNISH GAME HENS:
2 cornish game hens, innards removed and insides rinsed and patted dry
1 stick butter
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. coarse ground pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Make stuffing according to pkg. directions. Add in apples and bacon when fluffing with fork. Set aside. Remove anything inside the hens and rinse inside with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. (Don't rub or you can have bits of paper towel left in there. Not good.) In small saucepan, melt butter on low. Add seasonings and spices. Stir well to mix. Remove from heat. When stuffing has cooled, stuff each bird. You may have a bit left over. Place in small baking dish with lid for extra helpings. ;) Place hens into metal or glass 13x9 baking pan. Tie legs together and tuck wings under. Baste hens with a little butter mixture to coat. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Baste with butter mixure every 15-20 minutes. When done, baste with any last remaining butter mixture over them. Tent with foil covering to keep warm, and let rest til serving for at least 5-10 minutes.

ROAST CORNISH GAME HENS WITH SAVORY FRUIT STUFFING



Roast Cornish Game Hens With Savory Fruit Stuffing image

Don't remember where I got this recipe, but I have tried it many times and it is delicious! This is a recipe for one. Combine this with some Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Romaine with Parmesan Dressing, and a Raspberry Crème Fraiche Puff and you have yourself a complete dinner for one!

Provided by Witch Doctor

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs fresh Cornish hens (or frozen)
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons margarine or 2 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion-flavored croutons
2 tablespoons dried fruit
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon mayonnaise or 1 tablespoon salad dressing
1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Steps:

  • Thaw hen, if frozen. Rinse hen with cold water and pat dry. For stuffing, in a small saucepan combine water and margarine or butter; cook until margarine melts. Remove from heat. Stir in croutons, fruit bits, onion, and bouillon granules.
  • Spoon stuffing into body cavity. Combine mayonnaise and poultry seasoning; coat hen with mayonnaise mixture.
  • Place hen, breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until drumstick moves easily in socket.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice concentrate. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until cranberry skins pop.
  • Serve with cranberry sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1276, Fat 50.7, SaturatedFat 11.3, Cholesterol 623.8, Sodium 1426.3, Carbohydrate 61.4, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 36.2, Protein 138.6

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH ROSEMARY AND APPLE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens With Rosemary and Apple Stuffing image

Make and share this Cornish Game Hens With Rosemary and Apple Stuffing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by South Fla Sassy Chef

Categories     Poultry

Time 4h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 Cornish hens (I used frozen ones- but fresh would be just as yummy)
2 sprigs fresh basil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 garlic clove (diced or chopped)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (I cheated and bought some fresh "poultry" herbs- just picked out what I needed)
4 ounces extra virgin olive oil (extra virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons of fresh diced red peppers
4 jona gold apples (sliced or diced whichever you prefer)
1 (8 ounce) bag of butter & herbed croutons
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 garlic clove (freshly chopped)
1 small vidalia onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup scallion (chopped- 1-inch pieces so it adds color & flavor)

Steps:

  • 1- Prep hens- make sure you clean them well.
  • 2- Combine all of the MARINADE mixture and marinate the hens for 2 hours.
  • 3- Combine all of the STUFFING ingredients- melt the butter and pour it over the croutons, add garlic, onion and rosemary add the chopped/diced apples last to the mixture before stuffing the hens.
  • 3- Preheat the oven to 425- Arrange marinated hens in a large glass baking pan- prior to stuffing them make sure that you add some salt & pepper also set aside some of the marinade so that you can brush/baste a couple of times while they are cooking.
  • 4- Cook for about an hour and a half checking on them every 1/2 hour ( I covered my hens with foil until the last 20 minutes because I wanted the hens to have a nice color)
  • For those who like more robust flavor add additional herbs (to taste).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1174.3, Fat 81.5, SaturatedFat 30.8, Cholesterol 313, Sodium 873.6, Carbohydrate 56.4, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 17.3, Protein 55

CORNISH HENS WITH WALNUTS



Cornish Hens With Walnuts image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 Cornish game hens, about 1 pound each, with giblets
1/4 pound shelled walnut meats, about 1 1/4 cups
6 tablespoons butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon Cognac
Salt to taste if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup corn, peanut or vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Using the fingers, separate the skin from the breast meat to make a cavity for stuffing.
  • Combine the walnuts, butter, mustard and Cognac in the container of a food processor or electric blender. Blend to make a paste. Fill the cavities with equal portions of the mixture. Tie up the birds or truss them neatly with string. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and rub them all over with oil.
  • Arrange the birds breast side up in a shallow, heatproof roasting pan and scatter the necks, gizzards and hearts around the birds. Set the livers aside. Place the pan on the stove and heat until the oil sizzles. Put the birds into the oven and bake, basting often, about 20 minutes.
  • Turn each hen on its side and continue baking, basting often, about 10 minutes. Turn each again and bake 5 minutes. Add the livers and cook 10 minutes longer. To test for doneness, lift one of the birds; the liquid from the inside should run clear.
  • Untruss the hens and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 880, UnsaturatedFat 43 grams, Carbohydrate 1 gram, Fat 72 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 54 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 1222 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • Select the right Cornish game hens: Choose young, plump hens with moist skin.
  • Prepare the stuffing in advance: This allows the flavors to meld and makes the stuffing easier to handle.
  • Stuff the hens loosely: Overstuffing can make the hens dry and tough.
  • Truss the hens securely: This helps to keep the stuffing in place and prevents the hens from falling apart.
  • Roast the hens on a wire rack: This allows the air to circulate around the hens and helps them to cook evenly.
  • Baste the hens frequently: This helps to keep the skin moist and prevents the hens from drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked through: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion:

Cornish game hens with walnut apple stuffing is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With its tender meat, flavorful stuffing, and crispy skin, this dish is sure to be a hit with your guests. So next time you're looking for a special meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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